Accident information plays a fundamental role in accident prevention. Insurance companies receive great quantities of information on compensated accidents. Finland has a long tradition of compiling this data and of investigating accidents for safety purposes. This paper first presents the data production on compensated accidents and the application in road safety work. Then the accident in-depth study system is described and the role or both activities in accident prevention is addressed. These two databases are often employed together so that the wider database of compensated accident is used to describe the extent and character of the subject and the material of investigation teams to deepen the knowledge of the topic. Nearly two hundred statistical reports, among them six doctoral theses, and numerous master of science-level theses have been produced from the material. The accident information stimulates public debate, increases awareness of road risks, produces safety suggestions and encourages authorities and politicians to introduce improvements. (Author/publisher)
Abstract